Who starts at hooker?
For large swathes of Highlanders history, this has not been a particularly difficult question to answer. Anton Oliver, Ash Dixon and Liam Coltman were custodians of the No 2 jersey for a long time. Now Coltman has gone to France, the picture is unclear in 2023. The smart money is likely on the burly Andrew Makalio to get the first significant opportunity, though Rhys Marshall offers experience. Leni Apisai shapes as more of a third option, but you never know with Super Rugby.
Is Mitch Hunt ready?
Probably the biggest question of the year. Hunt was brilliant at first five for the Highlanders in 2021, but relatively underwhelming last year, and it later emerged he had been dealing with ongoing concussion symptoms. He has not played a game of rugby in nine months, so he needs some time on the park. The clear first choice if he is fit and in form — but there is a world-class No 10 arriving in the form of Freddie Burns, who is not coming south for a holiday.
Can the back three fire?
The Highlanders fired a lot of blanks in 2022, and there will be immense frustration if they can’t play some entertaining rugby this year. There are a lot of ifs — if Jona Nareki can stay healthy, if Jonah Lowe settles in and brings his best, if Sam Gilbert can take the step up, if Connor Garden-Bachop can deliver on his promise — and not many absolute guarantees. Remember, too, the back three are sometimes only as good as the rest of the backline.
Which new face will shine?
All eyes are on Lowe, and there is hope he will be able to show his class on the wing. Perhaps Otago lock Will Tucker will get an early opportunity to stake his claim for a place. Rookie No 8 Nikora Broughton gets his first taste of rugby at this level. And Otago halfback James Arscott should be motivated to put his hand up early in the year.
Is there a wildcard?
Cam Millar to get some decent minutes at first five? Max Hicks to flourish in his second year? Sean Withy to have a breakthrough?
Injuries?
It would be nice to ignore this topic, but it is inevitable the Highlanders will be hit again at some stage. Young prop Luca Inch is already gone for the season, and rising lock Fabian Holland is out for a spell. The return of livewire halfback Folau Fakatava, who chose the non-surgical route for his knee complaint, will be fascinating. The Highlanders should do reasonably well if their top 18-19 players stay as healthy as possible. Depth, as we have seen in recent times, will be an issue if the knocks start coming.
